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    College Admissions ACT Test Dates for 2025-2026
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    ACT Test Dates for 2025-2026

    Will Geiger
    By Will Geiger
    Will Geiger

    Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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     , reviewed by and Maria Geiger
    Maria Geiger

    Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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    Updated: November 24th, 2025

    Standardized tests, such as the ACT, are important parts of the scholarship application process for both college-specific merit scholarship and private scholarships. The first step to achieving a strong score on the ACT is by actually signing up for the ACT! We’ve collected all of the ACT test dates for you on this page.

    Overview of the 2025-2026 ACT test dates 

    • February 8, 2025
    • April 5, 2025
    • June 14, 2025
    • July 12, 2025

    Students can register for any of the 2025-2026 ACT Test dates on the ACT website.

    Breaking down the 2025/2026 SAT test dates and deadlines

    February Test Date

    • February 8, 2025
    • Registration Deadline: January 3, 2025
    • Late Registration Deadline: January 20, 2025

    April Test Date

    • April 5, 2025
    • Registration Deadline: February 28, 2025
    • Late Registration Deadline: March 16, 2025

    June Test Date

    • June 14, 2025
    • Registration Deadline: May 9, 2025
    • Late Registration Deadline: May 26, 2025

    July Test Date

    • July 12, 2025*
    • Registration Deadline: June 6, 2025
    • Late Registration Deadline: June 20, 2025

    *There are no test centers scheduled in New York for the July test date

    Related: What are guaranteed scholarships based on ACT/SAT? 

    Most test experts recommend that you finish your junior year of high school with at least one official testing under your belt. Remember, you can take either the ACT or the SAT–both are equally accepted by college admissions offices.

    Looking ahead to 2026

    Test Date Regular Registration Deadline
    Late Fee Applies After This Date    		 Late Registration Deadline Photo Upload and Standby Deadline
    September 6, 2025 August 1 August 19 August 29
    October 18, 2025 September 12 September 30 October 10
    December 13, 2025 November 7 November 24 December 5
    February 14, 2026 January 7 January 21 February 6
    April 11, 2026 March 6 March 24 April 3
    June 13, 2026 May 8 May 27 June 5
    July 11, 2026* June 5 June 24 July 3

    *No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date

    Choosing between the ACT and SAT  

    Choosing between the ACT and SAT is a common dilemma for students, as each test differs from the other. Make sure you explore what each test has to offer and ask yourself some of the questions below to get a feel for which exam might be best suited to you!

    Ask yourself: 

    • What are my academic strengths and weaknesses?
    • What subjects do I find that I enjoy studying most?
    • What classes do I consistently receive good grades in?

    How much the ACT costs 

    The ACT doesn’t come without a price tag. However, there are ways that you can receive a fee waiver, which will cover the cost of your exam. Check with your school about whether you qualify for a fee waiver. The 2025-2026 fees are below.

    Cost
    ACT $65
    Writing add-on $25
    Science add-on $4

    From: ACT official website

    Sending your ACT scores to colleges 

    When you take the ACT, you will be able to send your scores directly to the college or university that you want to attend. You can typically send your score to up to four colleges at no additional cost, but this does not mean you have to send your score to four schools, or any at all. Remember, if you get a score you aren’t satisfied with, you can retake the ACT as well.

    Resources for students 

    If you are preparing to take the ACT, there is a lot of work to be done, and we could spend time talking about a dozen other aspects of the ACT. Continue to explore free resources available to you for studying, and how to choose the best tutor. Also, take some time to look at what score is a good score, what a superscore is  and what score you may want to aim to earn. If you need free ACT test prep, we can point you in the right direction. Remember, you’ve got this!

    Next Steps

    Next Steps

    • Carefully consider whether taking the ACT is right for you
    • Choose a date to take the ACT that gives you enough time to study and prepare
    • Sign up before the registration date close to avoid paying late fees or missing the test date registration window
    • Take the test and send your scores to the colleges of your choice!

     

    Frequently asked questions about ACT test dates 

     

    How long is the ACT test?

    The ACT without the essay portion is roughly three hours, whereas the ACT with the essay is roughly four hours in length. Don’t let the length of the exam scare you though! The ACT has breaks built into it so that you don’t burn out! 

     

    When can I take the ACT?

    It’s recommended that you take the ACT during your junior year of high school. Taking the test then will ensure that you have a score to send to potential colleges during your senior year. However, students can take the ACT much sooner than their junior year. If you wish to take it sooner, you can begin as early as middle school, though starting in your freshman or sophomore year is likely more than enough of a head start.

     

    What time of year should you take the ACT test?

    The time of year you take the ACT depends on what year you are in high school and how prepared you feel. If you are in your senior year, you may have no choice but to take it in the fall in order to have your scores in time for college applications. However, if you are taking the test during your freshman or sophomore year, don’t feel the need to rush yourself. Take an extra semester, or bit of time to study, and prepare well in order to receive the best possible score!

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